Engagement Parties: Planning Checklist
Excerpted from The Knot Book of Wedding Lists, pub
The engagement party is the big kickoff to this exciting year (or so) and is completely optional. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the initial gathering, but the groom's parents can throw their own party, both sets can host one joint fete, or your wedding party can take up the planning reins. Here's what you need to do:
Decide on a Date
This won't be a surprise party, so give the hosts a few days to choose from, no more than three months after the proposal.
Share Your Guest List
Know that everyone who's invited to the engagement party should ultimately be invited to the wedding. That said, if you're having a small wedding and want to throw an extravagant engagement party, go for it. Just be sure to let people know that the wedding will be small so no feelings will be hurt when party guests aren't invited to the wedding. And, to diffuse sentiments that this party's purpose is to receive gifts, make sure the hosts include a nice note in the invitation that requests no presents.
Register!
It's smart to register for some items to give the guests an idea of what fits your style.
Prepare to Toast
You don't need to rehearse anything. Just know that you should raise a glass to your hosts and guests, thanking them all for coming. Get used to it -- you'll be toasting them again at most pre-wedding events.
Keep Track of Gifts
Create a guest list spreadsheet to keep tabs of who gave what. That way, when the gifts start arriving, you'll be able to send out thank-you notes right away.
